John Bunyan once wrote, “I began to see that the Holy Spirit never intended that people who had gifts and abilities should bury them in the earth, but rather, He commanded and stirred up such people to the exercise of their gift and sent out to work those who were able and ready.” His words echo a biblical truth that many overlook: God has equipped each of His children with unique gifts, not for hiding, but for using.
The Tragedy of a Buried Talent
Jesus illustrated this principle in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). A master entrusted his servants with different amounts of silver—one received five talents, another two, and another just one. The first two invested and multiplied what they were given, but the last servant, out of fear, buried his talent in the ground. When the master returned, he rewarded the first two but condemned the third, calling him a “wicked, lazy servant” (Matthew 25:26, BSB).
The lesson is clear: God does not give us abilities to be hidden away in fear or complacency. Whether our gifts are in teaching, serving, encouraging, or leading, the Holy Spirit stirs us to action, not idleness (Romans 12:6-8).
Why Do We Bury Our Gifts?
Many of us, like the third servant, hesitate to use what God has given. We might fear failure, feel inadequate, or compare our abilities to others. Some are waiting for the “perfect” time, unaware that the perfect time is simply whenever God calls. Yet Scripture warns against this kind of hesitation: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you” (1 Timothy 4:14, BSB). When God gives a gift, He expects it to be used.
The Spirit’s Work in Stirring Us
God not only gives gifts but also empowers their use. Paul exhorted Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6, BSB). The Spirit does not place gifts in our hands and leave us alone; He actively stirs our hearts, guiding us into service.
Consider the apostles. They were ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—yet when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they were emboldened to preach, heal, and build the church. Peter, who once denied Jesus in fear, stood boldly at Pentecost and proclaimed the gospel to thousands (Acts 2:14-41). The Spirit transformed their natural abilities into supernatural effectiveness.
Are You Ready?
Bunyan spoke of those who were “able and ready.” The question is not whether you have a gift, but whether you are ready to use it. God has given every believer something to contribute. Some are called to teach and preach, others to serve quietly behind the scenes. Some can encourage with words, while others extend kindness through actions. Whatever the gift, the command is the same: Use it.
If you’ve been burying your talent, it’s time to unearth it. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, remember that God’s timing is now. Let the Spirit stir you, guide you, and send you into His work, so that one day you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23, BSB).
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2 responses to “Unburying Your God-Given Gifts”
So, not if I had a hammer – I have a shovel – get to it! If that gift be the service of cleaning bathrooms, then use it. We had a missionary come to our church and he relayed the real-life story of a mission in Turkey in a refugee camp back before the last apocoliptic earthquake.
He said their task was to go into the camp and do what was ask or necessary. Of course I have telegraphed well what came next. They had 10 unpartitioned ‘stalls’ for use. Their were some ‘thousands of people’ in the refugee camp. This group of missionaries cleaned rudimentary latreens for 2-3 days straight. This precious fella said this was not exactly what he had in mind when taking the gospel to these people. Then he corrected himself. I was drafted – I did not sign up. What God gives on the schedule to serve – I serve. His name is Mike Johnson, no really that is his name. To God be the glory!
That’s a great testimony.